Kita hates her first name, Ikuyo, primarily because of its phonetic similarity to common Japanese phrases that can sound awkward or overly enthusiastic when combined with her last name.
Why Does Kita Hate Her Name?
Kita Ikuyo strongly dislikes her first name, preferring to be called by her last name, Kita. Her aversion stems from the fact that her first name, Ikuyo (行くよ), sounds identical to the Japanese phrase for "Let's go," "I'm going," or "I'm coming." Furthermore, her last name, Kita (きた), sounds exactly like the Japanese word for "Came."
This creates an uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing situation because when her full name, Kita Ikuyo, is spoken, it can phonetically sound like "Came, let's go" or "Came, I'm going/coming." This linguistic quirk makes her name feel less like a proper personal identifier and more like a simple, directive phrase, which she finds bothersome and likely a source of self-consciousness.
Understanding the Phonetic Play
To illustrate the phonetic similarity that causes her discomfort, consider the breakdown of her name:
| Name Part | Japanese Romanization | Japanese Kana/Kanji | Phonetic Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Name: | Kita | きた | Sounds like "Came" |
| First Name: | Ikuyo | 行くよ | Sounds like "Let's go," "I'm going," "I'm coming" |
The combination of these sounds in quick succession results in a name that, for Kita, carries an unintended and somewhat silly connotation, prompting her strong preference to be addressed solely by her last name.
